While gyms and training groups appeal to a wide range of people, there are still significant barriers for underrepresented groups. This was revealed by the German fitness company Freeletics in a representative survey of 2,000 adults across Germany conducted in late June. The focus was on questions of safety and well-being in the gym and during physical activity in general.
Overview of the results:
(Freeletics study, July 2024)
Harassment and safety concerns:
- 47 percent of women experienced lewd shouts, whistles and catcalls, and the same number were sexually harassed while working out (men: 27 percent and 21 percent, respectively).
- 47 percent of those surveyed had to stop a training session. Women cited unwanted attention (34%) as the reason.
- 17 percent of women stop training to avoid potential harassment, compared to 9% of men.
Body image and beauty standards:
- 51 percent of women and 43 percent of men feel that the fitness industry promotes a narrow definition of beauty that affects their sense of belonging.
- 34 percent of women have been discouraged from exercising by societal beauty standards, compared to 26 percent of men.
- 23 percent of women often feel pressured to conform to certain body standards when working out, compared to 14 percent of men.
Adapting and modifying workouts:
- 36 percent of women sometimes modify their workouts or avoid exercise due to the presence or behavior of others, compared to 26 percent of men.
Self-confidence when exercising:
- 36 percent of women feel “not confident” or ”not at all confident” when exercising in public, compared to 17 percent of men.
“Our study reveals alarming findings,” commented Ellie Hughes, Marketing Director at Freeletics, on the survey results. ”Women not only report harassment but also a deep-rooted feeling of insecurity during their workouts. The fitness industry needs to take urgent action to create safe and inclusive spaces where everyone feels protected and respected. Freeletics actively promotes an inclusive fitness culture. Our app and community, led by dedicated ambassadors, encourage training together and motivating each other. It’s about having fun, respecting each other and surpassing yourself with the help of the community.”
